Lehigh University

Strategic Plan

High-quality teaching is an established strength at Lehigh, and it will remain so. The value proposition of a Lehigh education is drawn from the balanced educational experience both inside and outside the classroom, the ability to take courses in any of the colleges, and the distinctive academic, living, performing arts, athletic, and social atmosphere. Lehigh produces well-rounded students who enter the world able to succeed as exceptional members in both business and society.

During their years at Lehigh, students learn how to successfully tackle practical and real problems. We excel in leadership development and intend to build upon that platform of success over the next decade. Residential education means that students have opportunities to learn from their faculty, staff, and peers in structured classroom settings, their living environment, and other venues throughout campus. It is our goal today to further enhance this distinguishing quality of a Lehigh education while preparing for changes in the student body and the world in which they will live and work.

We aspire to an environment where the academic and living experiences merge into an integrated learning experience. Students succeed in such an environment when they exhibit mastery of a body of knowledge and acquisition of essential cognitive, developmental, and interpersonal competencies.

Collaboration and partnerships among faculty, staff, and both undergraduate and graduate students are essential to success. The ultimate objective of those partnerships is to ensure that students leave Lehigh as academically accomplished, self-confident, creative, and productive leaders, citizens, and persons of sound character.

The students will become more diverse and international, and that diversity will enable us to better prepare the next generation of leaders. As our student demographics change, we must adopt pedagogical approaches and experiences that will benefit a broad set of students and connect them as part of an inclusive and equitable community.

It is our opportunity today to further enhance this distinguishing quality of a Lehigh education while preparing for changes in the student body and the world in which they will live and work. Programs and curricula must evolve at pace with student needs and societal changes, and we must continually monitor our campus climate for its qualities of equity and community.

The plan emphasizes a university-level student identity that connects undergraduates and graduates to Lehigh's full range of learning opportunities, while recognizing the differing needs of our undergraduate and graduate populations.